transmission NISSAN ALTIMA 2015 L33 / 5.G Owners Manual

Overdrive OFF indicator light(if so equipped)
QR25DE:
The overdrive off indicator light illuminates when
the overdrive off mode is selected.
VQ35DE:
This light illuminates and then turns off when the
ignition switch is placed to the ON position.
QR25DE and VQ35DE:
For additional information, refer to “Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates that
the security systems equipped on the vehicle are
operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security sys-
tems” in this section.
Side light and headlightindicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light illumi-
nates when the side light or headlight position is
selected. For additional information, refer to
“Headlight and turn signal switch” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system is operating, thus alerting
that the vehicle is nearing its traction limits. The
road surface may be slippery.
SPORT mode indicator light (ifso equipped)
QR25DE:
This light illuminates and then turns off when the
ignition switch is placed to the ON position, and
when the SPORT mode off is selected.
For additional information, refer to “Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Turn signal/hazard indicatorlights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated. Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF.
This indicates the Vehicle Dynamic Control has
been turned off.
Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch
again or restart the engine and the system will be
reactivated. For additional information, refer to
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you push the push-button ignition switch to
the ON position. The light will turn off after about
2 seconds if the system is operational. If the light
stays on or comes on along with the
indi-
cator light while you are driving, have the Vehicle
Dynamic Control system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
operating, you might feel slight vibration or hear
the system working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal.
2-16Instruments and controls

The HomeLink® Universal Transceiver provides
a convenient way to consolidate the functions of
up to three individual hand-held transmitters into
one built-in device.
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver:● Will operate most Radio Frequency devices
such as garage doors, gates, home and of-
fice lighting, entry door locks and security
systems.
● Is powered by your vehicle’s battery. No
separate batteries are required. If the vehi-
cle’s battery is discharged or is discon-
nected, HomeLink® will retain all program-
ming.
When the HomeLink® Universal Trans-
ceiver is programmed, retain the original
transmitter for future programming proce-
dures (Example: new vehicle purchases) .
Upon sale of the vehicle, the programmed
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver buttons
should be erased for security purposes. For
additional information, refer to “Program-
ming HomeLink®” in this section.WARNING
● Do not use the HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver with any garage door
opener that lacks safety stop and re-
verse features as required by federal
safety standards. (These standards be-
came effective for opener models
manufactured after April 1, 1982) . A ga-
rage door opener which cannot detect
an object in the path of a closing garage
door and then automatically stop and
reverse, does not meet current federal
safety standards. Using a garage door
opener without these features in-
creases the risk of serious injury or
death.
● During the programming procedure
your garage door or security gate will
open and close (if the transmitter is
within range) . Make sure that people or
objects are clear of the garage door,
gate, etc. that you are programming.
● Your vehicle’s engine should be turned
off while programming the HomeLink®
Universal Transceiver.
PROGRAMMING HOMELINK®
If you have any questions or are having difficulty
programming your HomeLink® buttons, refer to
the HomeLink® web site at: www.homelink.com
or call 1-800-355-3515.
NOTE:
Place the ignition switch in the ACC posi-
tion when programming HomeLink®. It is
also recommended that a new battery be
placed in the hand-held transmitter of the
device being programmed to HomeLink®
for quicker programming and accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency.
1. Position the end of your hand-held transmit- ter 1–3 in (2–8 cm) away from the
HomeLink® surface, keeping the
HomeLink® indicator light
1in view.
HOMELINK® UNIVERSAL
TRANSCEIVER (if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-51

PROGRAMMING HOMELINK® FOR
CANADIAN CUSTOMERS AND
GATE OPENERS
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmit-
ter signals to “time-out” (or quit) after several
seconds of transmission – which may not be long
enough for HomeLink® to pick up the signal
during training. Similar to this Canadian law,
some U.S. gate operators are designed to “tim-
eout” in the same manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having difficulties
training a gate operatororgarage door opener
by using the “Training” procedures, replace
“Programming HomeLink®” Step 2with the fol-
lowing:
NOTE:
When programming a garage door opener,
etc., unplug the device during the “cycling”
process to prevent possible damage to the
garage door opener components.
1. For additional information, refer to “Pro- gramming HomeLink®” step 1 in this sec-
tion.
2. Using both hands, simultaneously press and hold the desired HomeLink® button and the
hand-held transmitter button. During train-
ing, your hand-held transmitter may auto- matically stop transmitting. Continue to
press and hold the desired HomeLink® but-
ton while you press and re-press (“cycle”)
your hand-held transmitter every 2 seconds
until the frequency signal has been learned.
The HomeLink® indicator light will flash
slowly and then rapidly after several seconds
upon successful training. DO NOT release
until the HomeLink® indicator light flashes
slowly and then rapidly. When the indicator
light flashes rapidly, both buttons may be
released. The rapid flashing indicates suc-
cessful training.
Proceed with “Programming HomeLink®”
step 3 to complete.
If the device was unplugged during the pro-
gramming procedure, remember to plug it
back in when programming is completed.
OPERATING THE HOMELINK®
UNIVERSAL TRANSCEIVER
The HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, after it is
programmed, can be used to activate the pro-
grammed device. To operate, simply press and
release the appropriate programmed
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver button. The
amber indicator light will illuminate while the sig-
nal is being transmitted.
For convenience, the hand-held transmitter of the
device may also be used at any time.
PROGRAMMING TROUBLE-
DIAGNOSIS
If the HomeLink® does not quickly learn the
hand-held transmitter information:
● replace the hand-held transmitter batteries
with new batteries.
● position the hand-held transmitter with its
battery area facing away from the
HomeLink® surface.
● press and hold both the HomeLink® and
hand-held transmitter buttons without inter-
ruption.
● position the hand-held transmitter 1 -
3 inches (26 - 76 mm) away from the
HomeLink® surface. Hold the transmitter in
that position for up to 15 seconds. If
HomeLink® is not programmed within that
time, try holding the transmitter in another
position – keeping the indicator light in view
at all times.
If you have any questions or are having difficulty
programming your HomeLink® buttons, refer to
the HomeLink® web site at: www.homelink.com
or call 1-800-355-3515.
Instruments and controls2-53

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover . . ..................5-6
Off-road recovery ...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-7
Push-Button Ignition Switch ........................5-8
Operating range ................................5-9
Push-button ignition switch positions . . . ..........5-9
Emergency engine shut off .....................5-10
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge .......5-10
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System .............5-11
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-11
Starting the engine ............................... 5-12
Remote start (if so equipped) ...................5-12
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) ........5-13
Parking brake .................................... 5-19
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) System/Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) System (if so equipped) . . 5-19 BSW system operation ........................ 5-20BSW driving situations
......................... 5-22
LDW system operation ......................... 5-24
BSW/LDW temporary disabled status ...........5-26
BSW/LDW automatic deactivation ..............5-26
BSW/LDW malfunction ........................ 5-26
Camera unit maintenance ......................5-26
Cruise control (if so equipped) . . ...................5-27
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-27
Cruise control operations .......................5-27
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-28
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................... 5-29
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-30
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-30
Power steering ................................... 5-31
Brake system .................................... 5-32
Brake precautions ............................. 5-32
Anti-lock BrakingSystem

(ABS) ................. 5-32
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-34
Brake force distribution ........................ 5-35
Rear sonar system (RSS) (if so equipped) ...........5-36
Front And Rear Sonar System (if so equipped) .......5-37
System operation .............................. 5-38
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-39

CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT)
WARNING
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) , Ds (Drive
Sport) or manual shift mode (if so
equipped) . Always depress the brake
pedal until shifting is completed. Fail-
ure to do so could cause you to lose
control and have an accident.
● Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
● Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
CAUTION
●Except in an emergency, do not shift to
the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Coasting with the transmission in the N
(Neutral) position may cause serious
damage to the transmission.
● When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
The CVT in your vehicle is electronically con-
trolled to produce maximum power and smooth
operation.
The CVT can operate in two different automatic
drive modes: ● D (Drive) mode - Move the shift lever to D
(Drive) , the transmission is in the normal
forward automatic driving mode. The posi-
tion indicator in the meter shows a “D”. The
D (Drive) mode does not produce a gear
change sensation like a traditional automatic
transmission. ●
Ds (Drive Sport) mode - Move the shift lever
from D (Drive) to the to Ds (Drive Sport) . The
position indicator in the meter shows a “Ds”.
In Ds (Drive Sport) mode, transmission op-
eration changes to Sporty” driving shift op-
eration, creating a more aggressive accel-
eration feeling than the D (Drive) mode and a
gear change sensation when the driver ac-
celerates or when using the shift paddles (if
so equipped) . During Ds (Drive Sport) mode
operation, the driver must move the shift
lever from Ds mode to D mode and back
again to re-select Ds (Drive Sport) mode.
● To cancel the Ds mode, return the shift lever
to the D (Drive) position. The transmission
returns to the automatic drive mode.
The CVT can operate in two manual drive modes: ● M (Manual) mode (if so equipped) - With the
shift lever in the Ds (Drive Sport) mode,
using the shift paddles (if so equipped) up
(+) or down (–) produces noticeable up-
shifts and downshifts. The position indicator
in the meter shows a “M”.
● To Ds (Drive Sport) mode return the shift
lever to the D (Drive) mode.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-13

NOTE:
Engine power may be automatically re-
duced to protect the CVT if the engine
speed increases quickly when driving on
slippery roads or while being tested on
some dynamometers.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress thefoot brake pedal before moving the shift
lever out of the P (Park) position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and move the shift lever into a driving gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
4. Stop the vehicle completely before shifting the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
The CVT is designed so the foot brake
pedal MUST be depressed before shifting
from P (Park) to any drive position while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park) and into any of the other gear posi-
tions if the ignition switch is pushed to the
LOCK position. To move the shift lever:
Press the buttonAwhile depressing the
brake pedal
Press the buttonAto shift
Shift without pressing buttonA
Shifting
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and move the shift lever from P (Park) to
any of the desired shift positions.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shift lever is
in any position while the engine is not
running. Failure to do so could cause the
vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away
and result in serious personal injury or
property damage.
P (Park)
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the P (Park) shift lever position when the
vehicle is parked or when starting the engine.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
The brake pedal should be depressed to
move the shift lever from N (Neutral) or any
drive position to P (Park) . Apply the parking
brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking
brake first, then move the shift lever into the P
(Park) position.
LSD2085
5-14Starting and driving

R (Reverse)
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake
pedal must be depressed to move the shift
lever from P (Park) , N (Neutral) or any drive
position to R (Reverse) .
N (Neutral)
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal forward driving. Ds (Drive Sport) (if so equipped)
When the shift lever is shifted from the D (Drive)
to Ds (Drive Sport) position, the transmission
enters the Ds (Drive Sport) mode. Moving the
shift lever to the Ds (Drive Sport) position allows
you to enjoy “sporty” driving shift operation on a
winding road and feel smooth acceleration or
deceleration on a hilly road by moving in a lower
gear automatically. When canceling the DS
mode, return the shift lever to the D (Drive) posi-
tion. The transmission returns to the normal driv-
ing mode.
Manual shift mode (if so equipped)
When the shift lever is in the Ds (Drive Sport)
position, the transmission is ready for the manual
shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected manu-
ally by pulling the right-side or left-side paddle
shifter.
When shifting up, pull the right side paddle
shifter (+)
C(if so equipped) . The transmission
shifts to the higher range.
When shifting down, pull the left side paddle
shifter ()
B(if so equipped) . The transmission
shifts to the lower range.
LSD2086
Starting and driving5-15

When canceling the manual shift mode, return
the shift lever to the D (Drive) position. The trans-
mission returns to the normal driving mode.
When you pull the paddle shifter (if so equipped)
while in the D (Drive) position, the transmission
will shift to the upper or lower range temporarily.
The transmission will automatically return to the D
(Drive) position after a short period of time. If you
want to return to the D (Drive) position manually,
pull and hold the paddle shifter for about 1.5 sec-
onds.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is dis-
played on the position indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
1⇔2⇔ 3⇔ 4⇔ 5⇔ 6⇔ 7
M7 (7th)
Use this position for all normal forward driving at
highway speeds.
M6 (6th) and M5 (5th)
Use this position when driving up long slopes, or
for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
M4 (4th) , M3 (3rd) and M2 (2nd)
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill
grades. M1 (1st)
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or driving slowly through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep
downhill grades.
● Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than 7
range. This reduces fuel economy.
When shifting up
Move the shift lever to the + (up) side. (Shifts to
higher range.)
When shifting down
Move the shift lever to the (down) side. (Shifts
to lower range.)
● Moving the shift lever rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succession.
When canceling the manual shift mode
Return the shift lever to the D (Drive) position to
return the transmission to the normal driving
mode. ● In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving perfor-
mance and reduces the chance of ve-
hicle damage or loss of control. ●
In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may shift up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the en-
gine speed is too high. When the ve-
hicle speed decreases, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down and
shifts to 1st gear before the vehicle
comes to a stop.
● CVT operation is limited to automatic drive
mode when CVT fluid temperature is ex-
tremely low even if manual shift mode is
selected. This is not a malfunction. When
CVT fluid warms up, manual mode can be
selected.
● When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the
shift range may upshift in lower rpm than
usual. This is not a malfunction.
5-16Starting and driving

Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged, the
shift lever may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal depressed
and the shift lever button pushed.
It will be necessary to jump start or have your
battery charged. For additional information, refer
to “Jump starting” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual. Contact your NISSAN
dealer or a professional towing service.To move the shift lever, complete the following
procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK posi- tion.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Using a protective cloth on the tip ofa3mm screwdriver, remove the shift lock release
cover.
● If available, a plastic trim tool can also be
used.
4. Insert the small screwdriver in the shift lock release slot and push down.
5. Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) posi- tion while holding down the shift lock re-
lease.
If the shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) ,
have a NISSAN dealer check the transmission as
soon as possible.
WARNING
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the
P (Park) position while the engine is run-
ning and the brake pedal is depressed, the
stop lights may not work. Malfunctioning
stop lights could cause an accident injur-
ing yourself and others.
SPORT mode switch (if so equipped)
When the SPORT mode switch is pushed with
the shift lever in the D (Drive) position, the
light in the instrument panel illuminates.
Use the SPORT mode when you need improved
engine braking.
To turn off the SPORT mode, push the SPORT
mode switch again. The
indicator light will
turn off.
Each time the engine is started, or when the shift
lever is shifted to any position other than D (Drive)
or Ds (Drive Sport) , the Sport mode will auto-
matically be turned off.
LSD2087
SPORT mode
LSD2096
Starting and driving5-17

Overdrive (O/D) mode OFF switch (if
so equipped)
When the O/D OFF switch is pushed with the
shift lever in the D (Drive) position, the
light in the instrument panel illuminates. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Overdrive off indicator
light” in the “Instruments and controls” section of
this manual.
Use the Overdrive OFF when you need improved
engine braking.
To turn off the Overdrive OFF, push the O/D OFF
switch again. The
indicator light will turn
off. Each time the engine is started, or when the shift
lever is shifted to any position other than D
(Drive) , the Overdrive mode will automatically
turned off.
Accelerator downshift
— in D (Drive) position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature be-
comes too high (for example, when climbing
steep grades in high temperatures with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer) , engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to reduce
the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be
limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safesystem may be activated. The MIL may
come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is
activated. For additional information, refer
to “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in the
“Instrument and controls” section of this
manual. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, place the ignition switch in the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then
push the switch back to the ON position.
The vehicle should return to its normal op-
erating condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature protec-
tion mode or fail-safe operation occurs,
vehicle speed may be gradually reduced.
The reduced speed may be lower than
other traffic, which could increase the
chance of a collision. Be especially careful
when driving. If necessary, pull to the side
of the road at a safe place and allow the
transmission to return to normal opera-
tion, or have it repaired if necessary.
Overdrive mode
LSD2090
5-18Starting and driving